Rapid one-step synthesis of conductive and porous MnO2/graphene nanocomposite for high performance supercapacitors

Herein, we report a rapid and simultaneous synthesis of manganese oxide (MnO2) nanoparticles deposited on porous graphene foam by microwave-assisted method. The microwave irradiation enables simultaneously reduction and porous structure of graphene oxide and deposition of MnO2. As-synthesized MnO2/graphene nano composites are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The resultant MnO2/graphene nanocomposite electrodes exhibit as high as specific capacitance of 372 F g(-1) at 0.5 A g(-1), high rate capability (82% retention at 5 A g(-1)), and good long-term stability (98.5% retention during 3000 cycles). This synthetic method could be applicable to the mass production of porous nanocomposites as energy storage materials for supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.